The search for justice continues seven years after the shooting death of Matthew Groves, a 26-year-old man slain in Phoenix, Arizona. Groves' mother, Katherine Kirkconnell, remains steadfast in her pursuit of answers, visiting from California every year to hold a vigil at the site where her son's life was tragically cut short.
As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, Kirkconnell, undaunted by the passage of time, carries her son's legacy through mementos and photos, creating a tribute that both honors his life and serves as a plea for information. "The years that have gone by, I don't think anything has been done," Kirkconnell said. And despite a suspect being arrested in 2018 only to have charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, Groves' family refuses to wane in their resolve.
Groves, remembered by his mother as a deep conversationalist with a compassion for people, was shot outside the Purple Turtle Sports Bar near 51st Avenue and Indian School Road. While riding his skateboard, Groves had stopped at the bar to rest when the fatal incident occurred. In a statement obtained by Arizona's Family, Kirkconnell expressed the family's heartbreak and frustration, stating, "Besides the horrible experience of knowing you are not going to see him ever again is that you are helpless in finding the person that is responsible for taking his life."
Despite the daunting challenges, the family's dedication to finding the truth of what happened to Groves persists. Groves, whose kindness extended beyond his life as an organ donor saving five other individuals, is a poignant reminder of the indelible impact one life can hold. Kirkconnell remains convinced that someone in the community Groves cherished has the key information needed to resolve the case. "Somebody who knows anything," said Kirkconnell, according to FOX 10 Phoenix, "I think [Groves] probably had done something very kind for them, and I ask that they repay that."
The Phoenix Police continue to seek leads, and the family urges anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided to Phoenix Police or shared anonymously with Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS for English speakers, or Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO for Spanish speakers. The pursuit of closure and accountability persists, anchored by a mother's unwavering dedication to her son's memory.
